It was a defining moment for either Chelsea or Spurs -- and the excitement could not be contained. First, the FA Cup quarter-final replay could have ended Chelsea's sweet run for their second silverware of the season. Second, a tough 3-3 draw at Stamford Bridge could have meant another 2-1 victory for Spurs at their stadium -- a repeat of what happened in November when the Blues lost.
Finally, it was a time for revenge on Chelsea for that very reason. Spurs had gone home disappointed with the draw and a promise to win it at their home stadium. After all, Robbie Keane, Paul Robinson and Jermaine Defoe would be there. Unfortunately for Spurs fans, that was still not quite what happened.
Kevin McCarra of The Guardian wrote: "If the first meeting had been enthrallingly spectacular, the replay of this FA Cup quarter-final intrigued with its element of surprise. No one could have anticipated the finish with which Andriy Shevchenko opened the scoring or the volley from Shaun Wright-Phillips that doubled Chelsea’s lead."
Indeed. If there was anything sweeter than the victory itself, that would be the two simply and undeniably magnificent goals from Shevchenko and Wright-Phillips. Shevchenko's goal in the 53rd minute was so good that Jose Mourinho hugged him after he was brought out to rest in the 81st minute.
That curling strike, which left Robinson motionless, proved to be a boost to the already strong Chelsea side. SWP's equally brilliant goal came just seven minutes later. Perhaps we saw competitors for FA Cup Goal of the Season. It would have been less special if it hadn't come from Shevchenko. What's the big deal that every time he scores people talk about it? Because people like to think of him as a flop signing. Therefore, every goal of his is a celebration.
The same is said of Wright-Phillips, but on this occasion he proved why he needed to be part of the starting XI. Not only did he play a great midfield role, he also gave us our second and winning goal, courtesy of a chest pass from Didier Drogba. Just like Shevchenko, we are starting to see why we paid so much money for these two players. Furthermore, SWP's outshining of Aaron Lennon will prove to be crucial and threatening to the latter in the selection of a midfielder for England's upcoming Euro 2008 qualifier against Israel.
Now that we are through to the semi-finals, with Blackburn Rovers as our next opponents, we can almost smell the brand new and wonderful Wembley. I can sense a classic match between the best and second best teams in England, Chelsea and Manchester United respectively. Despite the Devils winning through with controversial penalties lately, we have just got to accept it for fear that we win the FA Cup, our second silverware, so easily.
I am expecting United to thrash Watford in the semi-final but to give all my respect to Blackburn, I will not say it will be an easy one for us. After all, they beat one of the top (but struggling) teams, Arsenal. The only thing we can do is wait and expect a win.
I have to mention the mad Spurs fan who attempted to punch Frank Lampard in the face. It was good he was caught, but the allegations that Drogba stomped on the fan's ankle with the intention of breaking it, well, I only heard it from Spurs fans. But I am keeping my eyes open for whatever comes out of the investigation. However, I think this is the worst kind of fanaticism.
Spurs fans should be ashamed of this incident. One, we didn't win by a controversial penalty, like the Red Devils did. Two, what was wrong with celebrating on the pitch? Wouldn't Spurs have done the same if they had won the first match? What was the point in wanting to harm the opponents' players?
Passion is not to be blurred and overpowered by emotions. Devotion to a team does not mean willingness to resort to violence and cheap shots, especially in cases of defeat. It is well appreciated that Spurs took immediate action by giving the assailant a lifetime ban.
To rid myself of disgust at the Spurs fan, I just tell myself: Wembley, here we come.
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